Page 1 of Whats the minimum spec req to run Windows XP ??

Also, is it any good.

My PC spec is P3550, 256mb ram, g-force 3-32mb.

will that hack it ??

Pete.

It ran quite comfortably on my old P3-500 with 128Mb RAM before I upgraded to a new machine.

As to whether it`s any good, I`ve found it to be infinitely more stable than Win98 (even Second Edition, which itself was a big improvement on the original) - not one Blue Screen of Death since upgrading. I personally quite like it, but I know others who find the GUI a bit "childish" and who feel that it treats users a bit like they`re kids. I`ve not personally found that to be an issue. It offers more seamless use of audio, photo and video files than previous versions have done.

It`s a matter of taste, but I`d say go for it. I know there are others who will say that if you`ve got a stable version of Win98 SE, stick with that. Horses for courses....

P3 500? If it runs OK on my s***ty old "CELERON 333", 128 Mb RAM, on board graphics, then I can`t see you having any probs! I also agree that if you can, go for it, brilliant OS.

I think RAM, rather than processor speed, is the main sticking point with XP. While Win 98 was quite happy with 32Mb of RAM, XP needs at least 128Mb (and preferably 256Mb) to do the business.

The "babyish" XP GUI is optional, by the way - if you prefer the classic Windows 95/98 look, you can have that instead.

Mike

This item was edited on Wednesday, 13th March 2002, 20:59

Or you can get a proggie called "Window Blinds" and choose from hundreds.....

Anyone got the same verison of XP installed on more than one pc on their network?.
Someone told me you can only install it on one pc, but I don`t see how this can be the case?

The standard "Home" and "Professional" versions can only be installed on one PC.

In case you didn`t know, Microsoft have released XP with "Product Activation", which means that in order to install it you must phone (or log into) Microsoft and get an activation code. This ties the copy of XP to that particular PC - if you try and install it on another machine with the same CD key, Microsoft won`t let you. This means that you must buy a separate copy of XP for each PC in your house.

Of course if the law doesn`t bother you, then you don`t have to do this ;-) The "corporate" version of XP, the one designed to be installed on a network, doesn`t have "Product Activation", and needless to say it`s this version which the warez folkz are selling/distributing. If you were to obtain such a pirate copy, there would be no barrier to you installing it on multiple PCs.

"Product Activation" is yet another example of how legitimate customers are screwed while the pirates just carry on as before...

Mike

Prodcu*t F**ktivation!

I have 2 licensed copies of XP Pro.

I recently installed Wireless networking on my Desktop (and choose that moment to add a Firewire card and remove my normal Ethernet card.

Had to reactivate! Phoned the automated line and the numbers it gave did not work. Had to hold for the human operator.
He was a pain in the ass, I must have let it slip that I have two licences and he kept asking why I had 2!
I had to then repeat over and over what I had changed in the machine, why I had changed, what make and model everything was - inquisition or what.
Finally got the reactivation code, but now I am dreading my next PC upgrade.

>>"Home" and "Professional" versions can only be installed on one PC.

Hmm i have 4 pc`s at home so this would be no use to me, or I would have to buy 4 copies!!

>>The "corporate" version doesnt -

I looked on Dabs but could not see this version, any idea how much this one costs? too much me thinks!!

What is to stop you loading the home version on to more than one pc and phoning microsoft 4 times for a new code for each one?, is this possible, or do the pc`s look at each other on the network for differening codes??

This item was edited on Thursday, 14th March 2002, 12:21

"What is to stop you loading the home version on to more than one pc and phoning microsoft 4 times for a new code for each one?, is this possible, or do the pc`s look at each other on the network for differening codes??"

No, I think the way it works is this. Each licensed copy of Windows XP has a unique "CD Key" - just like all previous versions of Windows. When you apply for your activation code, two things determine the code you get: one is the CD key, and the other is the hardware configuration of your PC*. What you can`t do is apply for multiple activation codes using the same CD key, or MS will smell something fishy.

Mike

* This also means that you have to re-activate XP each time you add a significant new bit of hardware.